Name: Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1 1/2 pounds Chinese celery, finely chopped; 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine; 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional); 1/2 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 100 round dumpling wrappers

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 32 reviews

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the delicate, flavorful bite of homemade dumplings, then you are in for an absolute treat with this fantastic Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe. These dumplings combine juicy, savory ground beef with the crunchy freshness of Chinese celery and sweet bursts of corn, all wrapped lovingly in tender dumpling wrappers. Whether you pan-fry, steam, or boil them, these dumplings deliver incredible texture and rich umami flavor in every mouthful. They are a perfect crowd-pleaser, a fun cooking project, and a genuinely heartwarming meal that tastes just like it came from a bustling Chinese kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white round pot with handles on each side, there are four main parts of food arranged without mixing. The top left section has yellow cooked corn kernels, the bottom left section has finely chopped green celery and leafy greens, the right side shows two piles of raw ground meat in different shades of red, one darker and one lighter, slightly mixed in the middle. In the center, a raw egg yolk sits on top of the ingredients, adding a bright orange color. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in the kitchen. This Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe calls for simple components, each playing a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and aroma to bring your dumplings to life.

Ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base that absorbs the seasonings beautifully.
Chinese celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly peppery flavor that elevates the filling.
Corn kernels: Offer a sweet pop that balances the savory meat perfectly.
Egg: Acts as a binder that holds all the filling ingredients together smoothly.
Soy sauce: Gives that quintessential salty umami lift that’s signature to Chinese dishes.
Chinese cooking wine: Enhances depth with fragrant and subtle acidity.
Sesame oil (optional): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that makes the filling irresistibly fragrant.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Balances saltiness with a hint of sweetness.
Dumpling wrappers: The delicate yet sturdy vessel that encases all the delicious filling.

How to Make Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by placing the ground beef, finely chopped Chinese celery, corn kernels, egg, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sesame oil if using, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined. This step ensures every dumpling is packed with even, robust flavor. Trust me, this filling is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings

Scoop a spoonful of the meat mixture into the center of each dumpling wrapper. Wet your finger with water and gently moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold it over into a half-moon shape, and seal it by pleating the edges with your fingers or pinching them shut with a fork. Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfectly pretty—that’s part of the fun! Practice makes perfect and every dumpling still tastes amazing.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

There are multiple ways to cook your dumplings, each bringing a slightly different texture and flavor.

Step 4: Pan-Fry for Crispy Bottoms

Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. Add a batch of dumplings and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the bottoms turn beautifully golden and crisp. Next, add enough water to cover about half the dumplings, cover the pan, and let them steam until the liquid evaporates—about 5 minutes. This method gives you that perfect crispy bottom with a steamed-soft top.

Step 5: Steam for Tenderness

Bring a pot of water to a boil, place dumplings in a steamer basket over the water, and steam for 15 to 20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through and tender. Steaming is wonderful if you want soft, delicate dumplings bursting with juicy filling.

Step 6: Boil for Classic Comfort

Fill a pot with two-thirds water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in some dumplings and cook until they float to the surface plus a couple more minutes after, about 2 to 3 minutes. Boiling softens the dumpling skins evenly while keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Store or Use Later

If you’re not ready to cook all the dumplings immediately, simply store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. This way, you’ve got homemade dumplings ready whenever cravings hit.

How to Serve Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe

A wooden board filled with three neat rows of small white raw dumplings, each dumpling folded with a crimped edge pattern and showing a soft matte dough texture dusted lightly with flour, arranged in an orderly way on the board. The board is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth casually draped on the left side. The whole setting shows a clean, natural look with soft daylight highlighting the smooth dumplings and wooden texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the savory meat wonderfully. A drizzle of chili oil or a dash of toasted sesame seeds gives an extra punch of flavor and texture, making the presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These dumplings pair beautifully with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy green salad to balance the richness. For a truly authentic experience, serve alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and chili flakes.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange the dumplings in a circle on a sizzling platter or serve them on bamboo steamers for a charming touch straight from a dim sum table. For casual gatherings, a DIY dipping sauce bar with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and garlic lets everyone customize their bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cooked dumplings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They keep their flavor nicely but are best reheated soon to maintain their texture.

Freezing

To freeze uncooked dumplings, lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into freezer-safe bags. Frozen dumplings stay good for up to 3 months and can be cooked directly from frozen, saving you prep time on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat dumplings by steaming or pan-frying with a splash of water to revive their tenderness and crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make wrappers chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or turkey can be used if you prefer, although ground beef offers a richer, juicier filling that’s classic in this Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe.

Do I need to add sesame oil?

Sesame oil is optional but highly recommended for the fragrant nutty aroma it imparts. If you don’t have it, your dumplings will still be delicious without it.

How thick should the dumpling wrappers be?

Use thin, round dumpling wrappers commonly found in Asian markets. They should be thin enough to cook quickly but sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking.

Can I make these dumplings gluten-free?

Yes, but you will need to find gluten-free dumpling wrappers or make your own with gluten-free flour blends, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free too.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these dumplings?

A simple dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and chili oil makes a classic flavorful companion. Adding minced garlic or scallions personalizes it even more.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about homemade dumplings, and this Chinese Beef Dumplings Recipe offers a delicious, rewarding culinary adventure you will return to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, these dumplings bring vibrant flavors and wonderful textures with every bite. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful process and taste of making this beloved dish at home.